A Week of Saints, Shrines and Services

Just back from Norfolk where I’ve been doing some reading and research for a project next year.

East Anglia is full of wonderful churches and cathedrals. On the way south we visited Lichfield with its excellent Cathedral choir (a treat at Evensong) and saw St Chad’s Well in the grounds of the parish church. Popped in to Peterborough Cathedral on the drive east to Norfolk. We were based near Fakenham, for a week, with easy access to the shrines at Walsingham, Norwich, Bury St Edmunds – and the coast for a bit of “non-churchy” recreation. A lot of the week was spent church-hopping and we had an abundance of round towers, carved roof angels and medieval painted saints to keep us company. Lovely singing from the guest Chandos Chamber Choir at Lincoln Cathedral on the way home, followed by a scenic drive through the Peak District via Buxton. Not bad at all!

image of Mother Julian's shrine

The main purpose of the trip was to visit Mother Julian’s cell, shrine and the associated centre in Norwich. I’ll be leading a new meditation course for Caya.org next February and expect to be reflecting on some of this 14th Century mystic and anchorite’s teachings as part of that journey.

…All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.